ANCASTER, ON — Royals Athletics is excited to welcome Guelph, ON native Nolan Lodder to the Royals Hockey program for the 2026–27 season.
Lodder, a left wing, joins Redeemer following a strong minor hockey career with the Guelph Gryphons.
Most recently, Lodder suited up for the Guelph Gryphons U18 AAA team, recording 20 points in 34 regular-season games before adding 7 points in 8 playoff games. He was also part of the Gryphons team that captured the 2024 OMHA Championship, while reaching the OMHA Championships in each of the last four seasons.
Lodder served as captain of his high school hockey team at Emmanuel Christian High School this past season. He helped lead the team to a championship at the Christian Schools Tournament while also finishing first place in their league.
Head Coach Isaiah Thornback believes Lodder will bring an offensive presence to the Royals lineup while continuing to develop as a student-athlete.
"Nolan is a gifted playmaker and will be a scoring threat from the first time he touches the ice in a Royals jersey. Coming from the Guelph U18 AAA system, he has learned to utilize his size and speed to dominate the offensive side of the puck. His desire to grow closer to Jesus has been evident from day one, and we are really looking forward to developing him on and off the ice over the next few years."
Lodder is excited to continue his education and hockey career at Redeemer, but says joining a team built around a shared faith is what excites him most about becoming a Royal.
"I'm really excited to be a Royal next year. I'm looking forward to continuing my education while playing the sport I love, but what excites me most is becoming part of a hockey team made up of fellow believers. Joining a group that shares my faith gives me the opportunity to grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, and compete in an environment that pushes me both on and off the ice."
As he begins his time at Redeemer, Lodder hopes to carry his faith into every aspect of his experience as a student-athlete.
"My faith is something I want to carry with me every day as a student-athlete. For me, that means living out my faith in all that I do. I know the abilities I have are gifts, and it is my hope to use them in a way that honours God."
Lodder will join the Royals Hockey program for the 2026–27 season as he continues his academic and athletic career at Redeemer University.
